From Darkness Won - Jill Williamson [204]
“Mother?”
Mother jumped, then walked to Averella’s bedside. She placed her hand on Averella’s cheek. “How do you fare?”
“Forgive me for my self-pity. What a fool I have been.”
“Not a fool. Grieving is necessary when a loved one is lost.”
“How many nights have passed since—”
“Only one. We gave you hops tea to help you rest.”
She felt hollow. “I am hungry.”
“Then I shall have something brought up.” Mother nodded toward the doorway, and the maid scurried out the door.
“I am in Castle Armonguard? It is still standing then?”
“Oh, yes. The battle did no damage to the main keep. They are already repairing the sentry walls.”
Averella pushed up onto one elbow. “I should get dressed and help Father and Jax with the wounded.”
“You will do no such thing. There are now over twenty healers in the bailey working on the wounded. Each army had some of their own, you know. You, Jax, and Sir Eagan are not the only healers in Er’Rets. Relax. All will be well.”
Averella lay back on the bed. “Sir Caleb?”
“He is fine.”
“Esek and Lord Nathak?”
“Defeated.” She looked out the balcony again. “Utterly.”
“How did you get here so quickly? I thought you remained home.”
For once, Mother looked almost sheepish. “I confess I could not. I boarded one of Captain Chantry’s ships as it passed Carm. I’ve been sailing for the past week.”
Averella squeezed her mother’s hand. “I am glad you are here. I am so sorry for all the trouble I caused.”
“Think nothing of it. I forgive you.” She brushed a soft kiss on Averella’s forehead. “Are you feeling well enough to receive guests?”
Averella ran a hand over her tangled hair. “I must look a fright.”
“The prince is not among those waiting. He paced outside your door half the night until Sir Caleb whisked him away. He is likely sleeping now.”
Disappointment washed over Averella. But Achan deserved rest. “Who is waiting?”
“Gypsum and Syrah are in the solar just outside your chamber. Shall I let them in?”
Averella sat up. “Of course. What about Rioja, Terra, and Mariel?” For Averella wanted to see all her sisters.
“They are on an outing with Sir Eagan. I shall fetch Gypsum and Syrah at once.” Mother left the room and returned a moment later with Averella’s sister and maid.
Gypsum ran to Averella’s bedside and took her hands. But Syrah remained beside the door, ever the reserved servant.
“Oh, Vrella!” Gypsum said. “We had to stay on the ship when all the soldiers came ashore to fight. Mother said you would have stayed in Noiz, but I did not doubt you would sneak away with the men. To see you well…” She kissed Averella’s cheek. “I am so thankful.”
“I did not sneak anywhere. I put on trousers, yes, but I went straight to my father’s chamber and received his permission to go along.”
Gypsum frowned at this. “Mother told me about her and Sir Eagan. I still cannot believe it.” Her eyes lit up. “You have not heard the latest in regards to Sir Eagan’s love for Mother. But I shall let her tell it.” Gypsum turned aside so that Averella had a clear view of where Mother stood with Syrah.
“You have news, Mother?” Averella asked.
“Sir Eagan and I intend to marry.”
Merciful heart! “Oh, Mother! How exciting! When will this take place? Right away?”
“No, dearest. Not until after…”
“After what?”
Gypsum sat on the edge of Averella’s bed. “The date of Mother’s wedding depends entirely on you, dear sister.”
“How so? If you are seeking my approval, Mother, you need not.”
“I do not wish to upset you.”
“Impossible. What greater joy than to see my parents wed. I give you both my happiest blessing. What a celebration it shall be! Name the day.”
“Mother and Sir Eagan cannot marry until they return to Carmine,” Gypsum said. “It would be a scandal not to marry there.”
“Well, of course you would marry in Carmine,” Averella said. “I did not mean to imply otherwise. Only that it should be soon. You have been parted for too long.”
Gypsum sighed like an exasperated tutor. “Vrella, you are thicker